With crossfit workouts, friends and family pay tribute to Nashua man Pat Terrin

By DEAN SHALHOUP

Staff Writer

MERRIMACK – As he reeled from the news earlier this month that one of his best friends and most popular members of CrossFit Earned gym in Merrimack had been struck by a train and died, gym owner Troy Rathke set out on a mission to “show the world” what kind of young man Patrick Terrin was.

On Saturday, Rathke and a small army of friends, family members and even plenty of people who barely knew the 22-year-old wrestler, weightlifter and gregarious athlete took a giant step toward that goal, turning out in droves for a day-long, multi-faceted tribute to his life and fundraiser for his family at CrossFit Earned. From raffles to grueling cross-fit regimens, along with food, vendors and built-in time to socialize and trade their favorite Pat Terrin memories, the day went a long way to help sooth the emotional scars the tragedy inflicted in the days following the Aug. 7 accident. ...
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MERRIMACK – As he reeled from the news earlier this month that one of his best friends and most popular members of CrossFit Earned gym in Merrimack had been struck by a train and died, gym owner Troy Rathke set out on a mission to “show the world” what kind of young man Patrick Terrin was.

On Saturday, Rathke and a small army of friends, family members and even plenty of people who barely knew the 22-year-old wrestler, weightlifter and gregarious athlete took a giant step toward that goal, turning out in droves for a day-long, multi-faceted tribute to his life and fundraiser for his family at CrossFit Earned. From raffles to grueling cross-fit regimens, along with food, vendors and built-in time to socialize and trade their favorite Pat Terrin memories, the day went a long way to help sooth the emotional scars the tragedy inflicted in the days following the Aug. 7 accident.

“It’s just amazing, to see how many people Patrick met, how many were part of his life,” said Terrin’s mother, Dawn Mayo, as she scanned the busy gym from her vantage point near the entrance.

Pat Terrin’s siblings, his grandparents and his father, John Terrin, mingled with the athletes, thanking them for turning out and contributing to the cause and listening to more than one story about how much their fellow Crossfit Earned member meant to them.

The family found the stories therapeutic, Dawn Mayo said. “We’ve heard a lot of amazing stories today. They’re really helping me get through this,” she said of the sudden loss of her son.

Nearly everyone no matter their role on Saturday wore unique T-shirts dedicated to Terrin and the life philosophy he exuded. “Celebrate we will because life is short but sweet for certain,” the message on the back reads in large white and green letters. Underneath is Terrin’s name and his date of birth and death.

“Just great, it’s going great,” said a breathless Rathke, who not only participated in the crossfit competition but oversaw the events and handled the role of announcer as well.

Athletes’ registration fees for the combination competition-exhibition all went to assist Terrin’s family with expenses associated with his death, such as the extra expense of bringing him home from San Diego, where the accident occurred.

Activities were put on hold for a brief ceremony about midway through the event. A banner bearing Terrin’s name and tribute messages was unfurled, and his weight lifting shoes were symbolically “retired.”

The effect that Terrin had on so many people will live on as an inspiration to others to do the same, those who knew him said. Rathke, who described his friend as “one of the most contagiously positive individuals I’ve ever met,” said Terrin’s presence at the gym was “way bigger” than just being a regular member.

“He was someone who interacted with almost everyone here,” he said. “If he saw someone struggling, he’d go over and run with them, encourage them to keep going, whether he knew them or not,” Rathke added.

On Saturday, Terrin’s siblings and parents, no matter their level of workout experience, took part in one event or another in memory of their brother and son.

“I came down last week to see what I can do,” Mayo, Terrin’s mother, said, adding that she has no weightlifting experience.

“I’m going to do some, as much as I can,” she said. “Patrick would be proud of me for trying.”

Dean Shalhoup can be reached at 594-6443 or dshalhoup@nashuatelegraph.com. Also follow Shalhoup on Twitter (@Telegraph_DeanS).